Operation checking method for adaptive front lighting system

Abstract

An operation checking method for an adaptive front lighting system (AFS), which is applicable to on-line automobile inspections involves an operation checking program prepared to activate the AFS in a manner to perform its prescribed headlamp illumination redirecting function and stored in advance in an in-vehicle ECU. While a finished vehicle remains stationary at an inspection zone of an automobile production and assembly line, the operation checking program is executed. During a run-time of the program, an inspection is performed to determine whether the headlamp illumination has been redirected by the AFS in leftward, rightward, downward and upward directions in a predetermined sequence as specified by the operation checking program.

1. A method of checking operation of an adaptive front lighting system having a function of redirecting headlamp illumination in both a horizontal direction and a vertical direction in accordance with steering angle, traveling speed and incline of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
 storing an operation checking program in advance in an electronic control unit installed in the vehicle, the program being prepared to activate the adapted front lighting system to perform the function thereof under the control of the electronic control unit such that the headlamp illumination is redirected leftward, rightward, downward and upward in a predetermined sequence; 
 while the vehicle remains stationary at an inspection zone of an automobile production and assembly line, energizing the electronic control unit with electric power supplied from a battery installed in the vehicle and switching on headlamps of the vehicle; 
 then, causing the operation checking program to run, thereby activating the adaptive front lighting system; and 
 during a run-time of the operation checking program, performing an inspection to determine whether the headlamp illumination has been redirected leftward, rightward, downward and upward in the predetermined sequence specified in accordance with the operation checking program. 
 
     
     
       2. The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the operation checking program can be executed only one time. 
     
     
       3. The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein during the run-time of the operation checking program, the electronic control unit performs a diagnostic operation to detect the occurrence of a fault on the basis of answer back signals from structural components of the adaptive front lighting system, and when a fault occurs, the electric control unit issues a signal to turn on a warning lamp on a dashboard of the vehicle. 
     
     
       4. The method as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the inspection performed during the run-time of the operation checking program comprises a visual inspection by a human operator. 
     
     
       5. The method as defined in  claim 2 , wherein during the run-time of the operation checking program, the electronic control unit performs a diagnostic operation to detect the occurrence of a fault on the basis of answer back signals from structural components of the adaptive front lighting system, and when a fault occurs, the electric control unit issues a signal to turn on a warning lamp on a dashboard of the vehicle. 
     
     
       6. The method as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the inspection performed during the run-time of the operation checking program comprises a visual inspection by a human operator. 
     
     
       7. The method as defined in  claim 3 , wherein the inspection performed during the run-time of the operation checking program comprises a visual inspection by a human operator.